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Statement by Minister Ciarán Cannon, T.D., on Myanmar

Minister Ciarán Cannon today addressed recent developments at the United Nations on Myanmar. Speaking from New York where he is attending the United Nation’s General Assembly, he said:

“I welcome the adoption yesterday by the Human Rights Council of a Resolution which proposes the creation of an independent mechanism to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in Myanmar.

Jointly presented by the EU and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, it shows the collective solidarity of the international community with the Rohingya community as well as communities in Kachin and Shan States who have had the most appalling acts of violence committed against them.

This is an important step in facilitating fair and independent criminal proceedings for these crimes.

Here at the General Assembly we must press for accountability for the terrible acts of violence that have come to light; for the upholding of the rule of law; and for ensuring an end to impunity for the crimes that we know have been committed.

I am also concerned that hundreds of thousands of people need to return home. For this to happen, they must be convinced that they and their families will be protected and that they will be able to make a future in their homeland.

We must continue to push, therefore, for a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable means of return of the Rohingya to Rakhine State and for the introduction of measures that will enable them to sustain a reasonable livelihood.